Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE has launched the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), a strategic framework aimed at integrating health into the country’s broader climate response and strengthening resilience to climate-induced health risks.
The plan was unveiled in Harare on Thursday, with Government describing it as a critical step in addressing the growing impact of climate change on public health.
Climate change is increasingly exerting pressure on health systems across Africa, with Zimbabwe among countries experiencing heightened vulnerability.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Southern Africa has recorded a seven-fold increase in cholera cases in the first six weeks of the year, largely driven by outbreaks in Mozambique and Angola.
WHO Country Representative Dr Desta Tiruneh said climate change is already having far-reaching health consequences.
“Climate change is no longer a distant theoretical concern for Zimbabwe. It is a vivid reality with direct and escalating health consequences. In recent years, recurring El Niño-related droughts have undermined food and nutrition security, increasing the levels of malnutrition, particularly among children under the age of five years and pregnant women.
Cyclone Idai in 2019 left a painful legacy of loss of life, injury, displacement and damage to health facilities, with long-lasting psychological impacts in affected communities, just citing a few, Chimanimani and Chipinge. And as you know, Zimbabwe is among the countries that are intending to eliminate malaria, but in recent years, we have seen the upsurge of malaria cases, last year and this year. Placing additional pressure on communities and already stretched health services. These experiences remind us that climate change acts as a powerful and high-risk multiplier, deepening the existing inequalities and disproportionately affecting the vulnerable population, particularly the rural populations, informal settlements, older persons, women and those living in poverty. They also underscore a critical truth. Health must be at the centre of climate adaptation efforts, if national responses are to be effective, equitable and sustainable,” he said.
Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora said Zimbabwe is aligning with global frameworks on climate and health.
“As government, we are fully ceased with this matter. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the global agenda on climate and health as articulated by the World Health Organisation framework on climate resilience. This agenda calls on all member states to integrate health in all climate policies, strengthen surveillance and invest in resilience infrastructure. Zimbabwe remains committed to ensuring that all these action plans are achieved,” he said.
Director of Climate, Environment and Health at CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, Dr Fortunate Machingura said vulnerable groups are already bearing the brunt of climate impacts.
“We have seen the impact affecting women and children, with issues such as malnutrition in children under five being at the forefront. This is the reality that Africa faces, which calls for enhanced collaboration from every stakeholder,” she said.
WHO Africa Team Lead for Climate and Health, Dr Jeremiah Mushosho said the initiative will begin with a national vulnerability assessment.
“What we are doing here is a Vulnerability and Assessment programme. We are going to understand the risk profile of the country in terms of who is affected, their age groups and where they are sitting. Once we understand the threat, we will then be able to develop a Health National Adaptation Plan to help us understand how we can address these issues,” he said.
By adopting the plan, Zimbabwe becomes one of only nine countries globally with a dedicated framework addressing climate change-related health challenges.
